India Post News Service

WALNUT: Bandhi Chhor Divas & Diwali was a very special day at the Gurudwara Sahib here in Walnut when over 2000 people got together to celebrate with piety and enthusiasm.The event began early morning Nov 9 with prayers and ardaas.

The day's celebrations climaxed in the evening when over 2000 people congregated at the Gurudwara Sahib to usher in the new year.The Gurudwara Sahib was decorated with lights that could be seen for miles on the 60 freeway. The Sangat flocked to the Gurudwara Sahib, many lighting candles.

Diwali is symbolic of peace and harmony-a message of love and brotherhood and equality of humans. It is all that the Sikh religion stands for.The Darbar hall had been tastefully decorated and was filled to capacity. Bhai Sarabjit Singh Ji and his Raagi Jatha rendered Keertan. Bhai Saahib and his Jatha is also the Hazoori Raagi Jatha at Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar.Bhai Pal Singh Paras and his Jatha followed next.

The evening's Keertan Darbar concluded with Keertan by Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji (Walnut Wale) and his Raagi Jatha.Over thirty families volunteered for Langar Sewa and for that booths were set up on the lower level of the premises where the Sangat flocked to enjoy Langar of a wide variety ranging from the traditional fare to items such as pasta etc.Vendors set up booths to sell items ranging from religious artifacts to books, CDs and DVDs.

The evening ended with a spectacular show of fireworks.Talking to India Post, the Gurudwara committee members expressed happiness at the grand success of the day's celebrations.The arrangements were flawless. Extreme care had been taken to arrange parking and shuttles were provided to ferry the seniors to go between the parking and the Gurudwara. All along the volunteers worked tirelessly to assist the Sangat in every possible way.

Overall it was an extremely well organized day and full credit goes to the Walnut Committee and its volunteers.